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Returning IDPs Home Is Our Priority-FG

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Returning IDPs Home Is Our Priority-FG

internally-displaced-persons-NEMA-1-620x330

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Khadija Ibrahim, says the current priority of the Federal Government is to ensure that all the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, across the country are relocated to their homes.

The Minister said this on Sunday in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, when she led the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ashraf Salama, to deliver food and non-food items to victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

The materials were sent to the displaced persons in the state by a renowned Egyptian Islamic Scholar, Sheik Ahmed Altayyid.

The Minister said the federal government is working hard to ensure that the displaced are relocated to their various homes, now that relative peace has returned to the areas.

She said government intends to urgently reconstruct the destroyed private and public buildings as well as replace infrastructure vandalized by the insurgents to make life more meaningful to the people who will be returning to the regained territories.

She praised the state government’s efforts toward making life comfortable for the displaced persons and called on other philanthropists to come to the aid of IDPs.

She also commended security operatives in regaining the earlier captured territories and called on the people to partner them in their efforts to return peace across the northeast and the entire country.

The Egyptian Ambassador, Salama, expressed sadness over the security situation that is being witnessed in the northeast and wondered how the insurgents would wrongly use Islam to pursue their selfish ambitions.

He insisted that no religion would justify the ungodly and senseless killings and destruction caused to the people of the zone, adding that Sheik Ahmed Altayyid who sent the items to the IDPs has continued to offer prayers for the return of peace in the northeast, the country and Africa as a whole.

The relief materials were received at the Pompomari IDP camp in Damaturu by the Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu, who appreciated the efforts of the Egyptian Islamic clergy and the Ambassador, promising that the materials would be used to improve the living condition of the IDPs.

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INEC Declares Imo Re-run Election Inconclusive 

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INEC Declares Imo Re-run Election Inconclusive 

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The re-run elections in Oru East, Isiala Mbano state constituencies and Okigwe North senatorial constituency in Imo State have been declared inconclusive.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Nasir Ayilara, spoke to a television station, explaining the reasons behind a result that was earlier announced by the returning officer that the APC candidate won the election.

Ayilara said that the returning officer, who later reported in the INEC office at Owerri, said he was put under duress to make the declaration against his wish.

The REC also said the Isiala Mbano State Constituency election was inconclusive following the problem of over voting.

Meanwhile, the APC candidate for the Owerri constituency election has been declared winner while the Imo North senatorial district election was inconclusive.

Also in Kogi State, Isaac Alfa of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has emerged winner in the Kogi East senatorial re-run election.

The Returning Officer, Lucky Ovwasa, said that Alfa gathered a total vote of 56,572 ahead of his opponent from the Labour Party who scored 111, 908 votes.

Troops Ambush B/Haram Members Going Into Sambisa

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Troops Ambush B/Haram Members Going Into Sambisa
Some of the items recovered from the insurgents
Some of the items recovered from the insurgents

By Samuel Malik

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the early hours of Sunday ambushed Boko Haram members, who were carrying weapons, motorcycle, bycicles and other items into Sambisa Forest from Komala and Musafanari axis.

According to army spokesperson, Sani Usman, two insurgents were killed while two soldiers were injured and airlifted for treatment at a military medical facility.

“The troops also recovered  2 AK-47 rifles with registration numbers  565214175 and  5-65399 respectively, 4 AK-47 rifle magazines fully loaded, 25 litres of petrol, as well as assorted food items.

“They also recovered a motorcycle and 2 bicycles among other items from the terrorists,” the army said.

A key strategy adopted by the Nigerian military in the counterinsurgency operation is denying access to Boko Haram members to and from Sambisa, thereby limiting the group’s capabilities. By taking over towns and villages surrounding the forest, the army is ensuring that those inside the forest do not come out and those outside do not go in.

Troops identify several crossings and roads used by the insurgents to access and leave the forest, and conduct stakeout, including ambushes. Several insurgents have been killed or apprehended and valuable supplies intercepted using these tactics.

Max Air Acquires Two Additional 500-Seater Aircrafts For Airlift Of Pilgrims

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Max Air Acquires Two Additional 500-Seater Aircrafts For Airlift Of Pilgrims
File:
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Max Air has acquired two new aircrafts -HL 747-400 Series, with capacity for 503 passengers and additional five Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets to complement its hajj operations this year.

Dahiru Ibrahim, Public Relations Officer of the airline, disclosed this in Kano on Sunday at a press conference.

He also said the National Hajj Commission, NHC, has allocated about 30,112 pilgrims to the airline for this year’s holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, adding that it has put modalities in place to ensure a hitch-free airlift of the intending pilgrims to the holy land.

He said Max Air would come up with new ideas that would ensure not only the safety of pilgrims but a hitch-free journey to and from Saudi Arabia.

According to him the airline will airlift pilgrims from seven states namely Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Benue and Nasarawa states.

Ibrahim further stated that the two new HL 747-400 series aircrafts are named after the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the late Umar Musa Yar’Adua, and the father of the owner of the air line, Barau  Mangal.

The Governors of Kano and Katsina States, Abdullahi Ganduje and Bello Masari graced the launching of the two air crafts acquired by Max Air at the Aminu Kano International Airport  on Saturday.

Speaking during the event, the two governors commended Max Air for adding more air crafts to its fleets, and prayed that it would end the hitches experienced by pilgrims in the past.

North Central States Demand More Federal Appointments

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North Central States Demand More Federal Appointments
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Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello

The National Vice Chairman, North Central of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Zakari Abdullahi, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the zone for more political appointments.

He said the call became necessary following the successful performance of the party in the zone in the 2015 general election.

The APC chieftain made the appeal when he and party chairmen from states in the zone paid a visit to Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, in his office at Government House, Minna.

To fast track this, the party leader called on governors from the zone to seek audience with President Buhari for the actualisation of their demand.

He then solicited for the cooperation of his host and other APC governors in the zone to work with the President in ensuring the progress and sustainability of the country and the ruling party.

He commended the anti-corruption crusade efforts of President Buhari, his administration’s well-coordinated fight against insurgency and the handling of the present economic challenges.

The national vice Chairman solicited for a cordial relationship between the executive and the legislative arm of government, challenging them to always strive to speak in one voice in the interest of the nation and urged Nigerians to support the change mantra of the present administration.

Governor Bello assured the party delegates that the Buhari administration would soon find solutions to the myriad of problems facing the country.

The governor also called for unity among the states in the zone stressing that, “as a matter of urgency, the north central zone states should seat down and identify areas of common interest, progress and development for the entire zone.

“North central zone delivered APC and we need to unite for good things to come, because we have one common interest and should be speaking in voice”

 

FIFA President Arrives Nigeria

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FIFA President Arrives Nigeria

fifa president

President of football’s world governing body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino and the Secretary General, Fatma Samba Samoura, are currently in Nigeria on a two–day working visit.

The FIFA officials were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, members of the NFF Board and some football club owners in the country.

The visit is aimed at renewing FIFA’s commitment towards developing football in Africa and promoting corporate support for the sport in Nigeria.

About 20 football federation presidents from Africa are in Nigeria for this event and will be meeting with the FIFA President and Secretary General later on Sunday.

The FIFA president and the Secretary-General are expected to pay a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and NFF President Pinnick, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

He will leave Nigeria on Monday after meeting with personalities of corporate Nigeria and potential sponsors of football.

Nigeria Marks Two Years Since Last Polio Case

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File: President Buhari administering a child with the polio vaccine
File: President Buhari administering a child with the polio vaccine

Sunday, July 24, 2016 will mark the second year since a polio case was recorded in Nigeria.

The last case was reported on July 24, 2014.

And to mark the milestone, President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement on Saturday congratulated all stakeholders that have made the achievement possible and those who he said have worked tirelessly to maintain the effort and permanently halt new polio cases in the country.

He said the next major milestone for the country is the certification of polio-free status in 2017 by the World Health Organisation, urging all concerned not to rest in their oars.

The President promised that his administration will continue to ensure timely release of required funds for the eradication of the disease.

He identified the downturn in the nation’s economy and insecurity in some states as some of the challenges facing the nation’s desire to completely eradicate the wild polio virus, but added that his administration remained firm in its commitment towards making Nigeria a polio-free nation by sustaining routine immunisation and the revitalisation of primary health care system.

President Buhari expressed his gratitude to the various organizations that has partnered with the country in the effort to rid the nation of polio disease and urged them not to relent in their commitment, adding that “Together we can achieve our vision to make polio a thing of the past.”

 

Missing Soldiers: Five Found, 14 Still Missing

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Missing Soldiers: Five Found, 14 Still Missing

army

By Samuel Malik

Five of the soldiers missing in a Boko Haram attack in Borno State have been found, the Nigerian army has announced.

The army on Saturday said the commanding officer of the unit was among those found.

The www.icirnigeria.org had reported that 16 soldiers were missing on Wednesday when they were attacked by Boko Haram members on their way from a clearance operation at Guro Gongon village.

The soldiers were returning to their location when one of their vehicles got stuck in mud, forcing them to spend quite some time trying to retrieve it. They were still at it when the insurgents, who had apparently reinforced, struck. Some soldiers were later unaccounted for after the attack, although the army did not say how many were missing.

This website reported that 16 soldiers were missing but as the dust settled, it was discovered this number was only for non-commissioned officers. The sources later confirmed that the total number of soldiers missing was 19, including three officers.

Following the attack, the army sent a search and rescue team made up of “air assets, Special Forces and patrols” to try and establish contact with them and this led to the discovery of the five.

Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a Colonel, today confirmed the discovery of the soldiers.

“We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found 5 more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit’s Commanding Officer,” Usman said, adding that the soldiers had been taking for treatment.

According to our military sources, 12 soldiers and two officers are yet to be found.

“I can tell you the army is not taking this lightly. We will not rest until we rescue each missing soldier,” the source said.

NSCDC Rescues Boy  Chained In A Church

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NSCDC Rescues Boy  Chained In A Church
The rescued boy
The rescued boy

Operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,NSCDC, have rescued a nine-year old boy, Taiwo Korede, who had been chained and detained for weeks in a church premises.

The officers who invaded the Celestial Church of Christ Key of Joy Paris Ajiwo at Ajibawo in Ado Odo, Otaa on Friday immediately took the emaciated boy to a health centre where the chains were removed.

The case has since been transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

Buhari Condoles With Germany Over Munich Shooting

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Buhari Condoles With Germany Over Munich Shooting
President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and horror at the shootings which recently rocked Munich, Germany.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President sent his condolences on behalf of the Federal Government to the families and friends of the victims, assuring the country that Nigeria is ready to assist in any way possible to defeat planners and executors of such crimes.

The statement read, “On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari sends his most sincere condolences to the families and friends of victims of the barbaric act.

“The President says it is quite unfortunate and inconceivable that the forces of evil do not relent on their activities, but expresses confidence that with the unanimity of purpose from all forces around the world, the workers and perpetrators of these evil acts will not prevail.

“The President also assures the people of Germany that Nigerians as a people are standing with them at this time and are ready to assist in any way to defeat the planners and executors of such crimes.”

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